Question: What about the legality of individuals discharging grass clippings from lawn mowers onto public roads?
They can be very slippery when wet and otherwise are a mess.
Answer: Discharging grass clippings onto a highway is illegal; most cities also have ordinance on this as well. The statue is 169.42 Sub 1 (objects on a highway), which is a misdemeanor offense.
Grass clippings blown into the roadway can create dangerous conditions for motorcyclist and bicyclists. Coming upon grass clippings without enough time to slow down can cause a loss of traction. Grass clippings are extremely slippery, and if the clippings are wet, such after a light rain, the danger is even worse.
Any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trooper Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol, 2900 48th St., NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848; or send an email to: Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.